Christmas Proposal?

XmasProposal

What are people's thoughts on an engagement ring as a Christmas present? Would you feel cheated of the ring as a gift in it's own right?

From conversations we've had about the idea of getting married in the past, my other half doesn't like gold, doesn't want a diamond, would prefer an antique ring and would like to be proposed to with the actual ring rather than a token one. (doesn't half make things easy, does she?! :eek:)

I've heard that they used to use garnets as engagement gems in Ireland in the past and think an aquamarine sapphire would be something she'd love as she's always wearing aquamarine clothes and nail varnish etc. Are sapphires like this ever used as engagement rings?

I've been looking at http://delphiantiques.com based on recommendations here and some of the art deco style aquamarine sapphire rings they have look like they'd be suitable and are platinum rather than gold (though I think ideally, she'd like silver).

Has anyone an idea of what price range I'd be looking at for this type of ring? Am I right in thinking that non-traditional engagement rings should be better value than the likes of a Tiffany Solitaire?

woodchuck

I don’t think there should be a problem having the engagement ring as a Christmas present! It certainly wouldn’t bother me anyway.

Unfortunately I can’t give you any advice about the ring itself. At least she’s outlined what she wants, so I’d say the best thing is to go into some antique jewelers and get an idea of prices.

Gatica

I don't know now, I think if you're giving an engagement ring, then you're giving an engagement ring, not a xmas present. I would personally feel it was a bit cheap to skimp on a present, it doesn't even have to be expensive.

wrt ring, I'm sure you can find plenty of silver rings with coloured semi-precious stones, in fact that's probably easier than in platinum.
I have seen rings with black diamonds, if that's an option. Also I think, antiques are more likely to have coloured stones than new rings, as that's not as common nowadays. Sapphires are not uncommon, and you could also try looking for emerald rings.
I'd go to as many decent antique jewellers as possible and find that perfect ring that you're looking for. Good luck ring hunting!

LadyTBolt

Christmas day and Christmas Eve are my favourite days of the whole year. I love them equally. If I was to pick any two days to be proposed to it would be either of those two days. They are just so magical.

However, I would feel cheated if I was proposed to on Christmas morning. I do feel an engagement ring is a symbol of your intention to marry not a gift.

My suggestion to you would be to either a) propose on Christmas Eve night, early in the evening when the evening is feeling very magical and still have the normal Christmas on Christmas morning or b) propose on Christmas night when you have already exchanged gifts and are settling down after the days festivities. It would be really unexpected then and your intended will have had a great Christmas and a surprise on Christmas night.

Whatever you decide - Good Luck!

deskgirl

any christmas pressie you give her will be forgotten and thrown aside with the excitment of the engagement!! Depending on what day/time you are planning to propose - IMO a token present would do - perhaps a wedding pack with books/magazines etc

campo

I proposed on xmas day basically I bought herself a bottle of her favorite perfume but I put the ring inside the box so when she opened the box the ring fell out and went down on one knee to pick it up and proposed, Thought it went will she was shocked she just put it on her finger and said I have to ring my mam I just took this as a yes

carolinespring

We got married on my birthday and now I do feel a bit cheated of the whole Birthday thing as our anv takes over.

So my advice would be to ask her on Christmas eve with the ring and keep Christmas for a little gift. That way you will be able to tell everyone on Christmas eve that you got engaged and have a little get together and pop a bottle of Champagne and show the ring off. You will still be on a high on Christmas day and it will be extra special.

Tieko

My birthday is the 23rd of December, which is the same day my boyfriend proposed. I certainly was not thinking about whether or not he got me a birthday or Christmas present as well and would not have expected it. She will be delighted whenever you propose and Christmas is a lovely time to do it.

ElleEm

I always think that a proposal should happen on a regular day.
Christmas/ New Year/ birthdays/ Valentine's Day are already significant days.

Last year in work, three people got engaged to their partners over New Years. I know it's still a very special time in the couple's lives to get engaged, but I just think it makes it less special if loads of other people get engaged on the same day. It's a bit typical.

Gatica

I don't think it would make it less special for me if it was around the holidays, or even if it's same day as someone else's engagement. However, same as people who've mentioned having birthdays close to xmas, it just feels like you've all your eggs in one basket, all your celebrations on same day or close together with people quite often cheating their way with one present to cover all events. That makes it a tad unfair....

Rew

I proposed Christmas Day last year in front of family and friends. It's not for everyone but it made it an extra special Christmas and we were able to celebrate with all of those closest to us straight away. On the ring front, my fiancee thought she knew what she wanted and I got a costume/token ring to the spec she hinted at. The final ring is absolutely nothing like that ring.

triseke

My fiance proposed to me over Christmas about 3 years ago. Loved it, totally surprised. In front of all our friends, was a great night

XmasProposal

Thanks for all the advice (can't use the thank functionality yet!)